The value-ladenness of ancestry

Area of Science:

• Human Genomics
• Population Genetics
• Bioethics

Background:

• Clustering human populations by genetic ancestry is standard in genomics.
• Descriptors like "race," "ethnicity," and "genetic ancestry" label these genetically similar groups.
• There's a trend to favor "genetic ancestry" over "race" for perceived objectivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose an axiological framework for understanding population descriptor choices in human genomics.
• To demonstrate that the descriptor "ancestry" is inherently value-laden.
• To establish the validity of incorporating values into the selection and application of genomic population descriptors.

Main Methods:

• Axiological analysis of population descriptor terminology in human genomics.
• Examination of the concept of objectivity in scientific classification.
• Philosophical inquiry into the role of values in scientific practice.

Main Results:

• The descriptor "genetic ancestry" is not objectively neutral but carries inherent values.
• Claims of objectivity for population descriptors do not fully justify their selection and use.
• An axiological perspective reveals the influence of values on genomic classifications.

Conclusions:

• The choice and use of population descriptors in human genomics are influenced by values.
• "Genetic ancestry" is a value-laden term, not a purely objective scientific construct.
• Values play a legitimate and necessary role in the application of population descriptors in genomics.